The perfect smartphone and smartwatch pairing doesn’t always come from the usual suspects. While Apple and Samsung dominate the conversation, a surprising contender has emerged: the OnePlus 13 and OnePlus Watch 3. This dynamic duo offers a compelling combination of performance, style, and value, making it arguably the best Android phone and watch combination currently available.
My initial expectations for the OnePlus Watch 3 were admittedly tempered. Previous OnePlus smartwatch iterations hadn’t impressed, with reports of underwhelming health tracking and a non-functional rotating crown. I typically recommended Samsung’s Galaxy Watch or Mobvoi’s TicWatch for Android users. However, the OnePlus Watch 3 shattered these preconceptions.
Exceeding Expectations: The OnePlus Watch 3
This smartwatch is simply brilliant. It earned a 9/10 score and an Editor’s Choice award in my review. The sleek design, all-day comfort (ideal for sleep tracking), and outstanding performance are just the beginning. The battery life is exceptional, lasting over four days on a single charge, even with all features enabled.
The few minor drawbacks I encountered were largely insignificant. The OnePlus Watch 3’s excellence mirrored my experience with the OnePlus 13 smartphone. After using the phone for nearly a month, I never felt compelled to switch back to another device.
A Winning Combination: The OnePlus 13
The OnePlus 13, especially in the stunning navy color of my review unit, delivers on all fronts. The impressive two-day battery life, exceptional performance, and fantastic camera make it a true all-rounder. I even found myself appreciating a OnePlus/Hasselblad camera feature that I had previously disliked.
Both the OnePlus 13 and Watch 3 represent the pinnacle of OnePlus’s hardware and software design. This dynamic duo offers a level of refinement and polish rarely seen from the brand.
Value Proposition: Affordability Meets Quality
Often, premium features come with a premium price tag. However, both the OnePlus 13 and OnePlus Watch 3 offer exceptional value. The OnePlus 13, starting at $900, competes favorably with the Galaxy S25 Plus and Google Pixel 9 Pro, while offering a more compelling value proposition than the overpriced Galaxy S25 Ultra at $1,300. The OnePlus Watch 3, priced at $330, rivals the 44mm Galaxy Watch 7 and undercuts the expensive Google Pixel Watch 3.
Remarkably, you can purchase both the OnePlus 13 and Watch 3 for less than the base model Galaxy S25 Ultra. This combination delivers class-leading performance, desirable design, and impressive longevity without compromise.
The Apple Ecosystem vs. OnePlus: A Close Contest
While the OnePlus Watch 3 is exclusively compatible with Android, comparisons to the Apple ecosystem are inevitable. The Apple Watch Series 10, especially the titanium version, boasts seamless integration with the iPhone and iOS, offering unparalleled versatility and refinement. While the Apple combo remains the top choice, the OnePlus 13 and Watch 3 are a close second and represent the pinnacle of the Android experience.
My continued use of both the OnePlus 13 and Watch 3, even after completing my reviews, speaks volumes. For those seeking a new Android phone and a complementary smartwatch, the OnePlus 13 and OnePlus Watch 3 combination comes highly recommended.
